CATL Hits Carbon Neutrality in Core Operations, Eyes 2035 Value-Chain Goal
The global EV battery leader has certified all 20 of its plants as carbon neutral, shifting its focus to the more challenging upstream supply chain.
CATL announced on August 17, 2026, that it achieved carbon neutrality across its core operations as of the end of 2025. The milestone marks a significant step for the global EV battery leader as it pivots toward a more ambitious goal of full value-chain neutrality by 2035.
All 20 of CATL's operating battery plants have now received ISO 14068-1 certification. This achievement was underpinned by a transition to 100% zero-carbon electricity for its core operations throughout 2025. The company also reported substantial efficiency gains between 2023 and 2025, reducing carbon emissions per unit by approximately 77% and energy use per unit by 28% compared to 2022 levels.
Regulatory Pressure and Market Access
This operational shift is driven by internal corporate goals established in 2023 and an increasingly stringent international regulatory environment. In Europe, the EU Battery Regulation will implement mandatory carbon footprint limits for batteries entering the market between 2027 and 2028, making carbon reporting a requirement for market access. Similarly, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) launched a pilot program for carbon footprint reporting for new energy vehicle (NEV) batteries in 2026.
"Carbon neutrality cannot be built on estimates alone," said Jiang Li, CATL VP and head of the Corporate Sustainable Development Management Committee. "It requires reliable data, clear boundaries, and systematic execution."
The Supply Chain Challenge
As the dominant force in the sector—holding a 39.2% share of the global EV battery market in 2025—CATL's operational standards often dictate industry benchmarks. However, the current achievement is limited to "core operations," which excludes the most carbon-intensive parts of the battery lifecycle. Industry data indicates that over 80% of a battery's total emissions occur within the supply chain, specifically during mining, refining, and transport. These upstream emissions are estimated to be five times higher than those generated during the manufacturing process itself.
Chairman and CEO Robin Zeng described the pursuit of zero carbon as both a mission and a "capability formed through practice and a massive development opportunity."
The Road to 2035
With its own plants now certified, CATL's primary challenge is the decarbonization of its external partners and raw material sources. The company's target for full value-chain carbon neutrality by 2035 will require a fundamental overhaul of how minerals are extracted and processed globally. Observers will be watching for how CATL leverages its market dominance to enforce stricter environmental standards on its suppliers to meet this long-term deadline.